tejpalsekhon
09-04-2007, 07:24 PM
The Cowboys have not won a playoff game in more than a decade, but owner Jerry Jones thinks he finally has everything in place to make a serious run in 2007. Jones hired Wade Phillips as coach, in part because his Chargers' defense had a league-high 61 sacks in 2006. Bill Parcells wanted players to win individual battles, but Phillips believes in bringing players from all over the field. He will allow outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware (11.5 sacks in 2006) to focus almost solely on rushing the quarterback. Ware said he feels "unleashed" under Phillips.
With linebacker Greg Ellis' future in doubt, first-round draft pick Anthony Spencer probably will start the season at the other linebacker spot. Phillips asked Spencer to watch tapes of Chargers' linebacker Shawne Merriman during the offseason, and even though he has had a quiet preseason, coaches think he eventually will be a force.
Phillips also likes the depth he has on the defensive line. Former first-round draft choice Marcus Spears was one of the first players to blame Parcells for his lack of production the past two years, so we will see how he performs under Phillips. The other defensive end, Chris Canty, had a terrific training camp and should be a disruptive presence this season.
On offense, Tony Romo had an excellent training camp. New offensive coordinator Jason Garrett and quarterbacks coach Wade Wilson have worked with him on protecting the ball and not looking to run so quickly. Romo always has had great footwork, and he has developed an uncanny knack for looking off receivers. He and Terrell Owens have developed a nice chemistry, and the coaches are attempting to move T.O. around to make him more effective.
With linebacker Greg Ellis' future in doubt, first-round draft pick Anthony Spencer probably will start the season at the other linebacker spot. Phillips asked Spencer to watch tapes of Chargers' linebacker Shawne Merriman during the offseason, and even though he has had a quiet preseason, coaches think he eventually will be a force.
Phillips also likes the depth he has on the defensive line. Former first-round draft choice Marcus Spears was one of the first players to blame Parcells for his lack of production the past two years, so we will see how he performs under Phillips. The other defensive end, Chris Canty, had a terrific training camp and should be a disruptive presence this season.
On offense, Tony Romo had an excellent training camp. New offensive coordinator Jason Garrett and quarterbacks coach Wade Wilson have worked with him on protecting the ball and not looking to run so quickly. Romo always has had great footwork, and he has developed an uncanny knack for looking off receivers. He and Terrell Owens have developed a nice chemistry, and the coaches are attempting to move T.O. around to make him more effective.